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Ickworth Estate
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk
The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE
Important notice
For the safety of our staff and visitors the Cycle Hire and Café Trailer & BBQ will be closed across the weekend (11, 12 & 13 July) due to the extreme heat. The West Wing dry moat is currently closed. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Opening times for 12 July 2025
Asset Opening time State Rooms 11:00 - 15:00* Servant's Quarters 11:00 - 15:00 Gardens 10:00 - 16:30 West Wing Café 10:00 - 16:30 Parkland 09:00 - 17:00 Welcome Point & Plant Shop 09:00 - 16:30 Porter's Lodge Café 10:00 - 16:30 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:30 Shop 10:00 - 16:30 Cycle Hire Closed Ickworth Estate is open all year round with the exception of December 24 and 25, or in the case of adverse weather. Please check here on the day of your visit for last minute changes. *Between March-November as much of the house will be as open as possible, depending on our volunteer numbers. ** House Tours take place at varying times between January-November and are bookable under the Things to see and do/Events page.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.40 £14.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.70 £7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £38.50 £35.00 1 adult, 2 children £23.10 £21.00 Group (Adult 18+) £13.30 Group (Child 5-17) £6.65 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Audio guide
Audio-described guides for blind and partially sighted people available from Welcome Point that takes in the approach to the Rotunda and the ground floor rooms.
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop downstairs from the shop in the West Wing. Lift available.
- Café
Porter's Lodge cafe serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. Dog friendly.
- Car park
Large car park and overflow (not always available in wet weather).
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads welcomed in the parkland. Sorry no dogs in the Italianate Garden, House or West Wing. Dog water available across property. Dog cup cakes and ice cream available from Porter's Lodge.
- Family friendly
Families welcome in House however we ask pushchairs to remain outside. Baby slings and hip slings available to support access. Activity sheets for children available.
- Guided tour
Daily House tours and monthly outdoor tours. See upcoming events for more info.
- Picnic area
- Plant shop
Large plant shop at the Welcome Point by the car park
- Restaurant
West Wing Cafe serving light meals, sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks.
- Shop
Large gift shop with extensive range of books, gifts and local produce.
- Toilet
By Welcome Point, in the West Wing and down by the Walled Garden (closed in Winter).
Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Accessible toilets. Lift to all levels in the Rotunda and West Wing. Wheelchair and mobility vehicle hire available (restricted access for vehicles in the Rotunda and West Wing).
- Accessible route and/or map
Albana path (partially accessible - tree roots in some places) and multi-use trail are accessible. Map available from Welcome Point.
- Accessible toilet
Available at all toilets. Additional Accessible toilet in Rotunda basement.
- Designated parking
Accessible parking spaces in main car park. Car park has hard surface tarmac, and a tarmac path which leads to the main tarmac drive.
- Drop-off point
Drop off point outside the Welcome Point. From here the shuttle can be picked up (volunteer dependent) for lifts to the Rotunda and West Wing. Please speak to welcome team for more information on arrival.
- Induction loop
Fixed induction loops are available at Welcome Point, Porter's Lodge Cafe, West Wing Cafe and Gift Shop. A portable induction loop is available, please contact Welcome Team prior to visit.
- Level access to food outlet
Level access at Porter's Lodge Cafe.
- Level access to shop
Level access to Plant Shop and Welcome Point.
- Level access/terrain
Geraldine's Walk, near to Porter's Lodge.
- Lift
Lifts available in West Wing and the Rotunda.
- Narrow corridors
Tight section in basement
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Mobility vehicles available for use on the surfaced paths around the estate and the River Linnet (blue) trail. Pre-booking necessary, please contact 01284 736150 prior to your visit. Mobility scooters aren't permitted in the Rotunda and West Wing, but wheelchairs are available for this purpose.
- Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access into the West Wing and Rotunda. Multi-use trail is fully surfaced, but be aware there are slopes on this route.
- Seating available
Available across the estate and Rotunda.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Steps and uneven terrain in Italianate Garden. Steps into the house and basement. Off-road areas of the estate.
- Transfer available
Accessible E-Shuttle run daily between Welcome Point and the Rotunda.
- Wheelchairs available
Available from Welcome Point, West Wing and Rotunda.
- By road
from A14 take junction 42 towards Westley; on west side of A143. For all other routes head towards Horringer.
Parking: Welcome kiosk situated on the drive for entry, visitor information and direction to the main car park or overflow car parking as applicable when visiting. Please stop at the kiosk and have any membership cards ready.
Sat Nav: Please don't use our postcode for your SatNav, the main entrance to the Ickworth Estate is via Horringer Village on the A143 and follow the brown signs. Please avoid routes through Chevington (as this is a no through road).
- On foot
4½ miles via footpaths from Bury St Edmunds, please use the main entrance through Horringer village.
- By train
Bury St Edmunds 3 miles Plan your car-free visit at Good Journey.
- By bus
Ickworth is on the road between Bury St Edmunds and Clare/ Haverhill. There are regular bus services from Bury St Edmunds town centre including the Number 14 and 15 bus. The bus stop is in the village of Horringer and it's about a 15 minute walk from the bus stop to Ickworth's visitor centre. Plan your car-free visit at Good Journey.
- Cycling
4½ miles via the road and cycle paths from Bury St Edmunds, please use the main entrance through Horringer village for access to Ickworth. We have a multi-use cycle trail as part of the estate offer. Plan your car-free visit at Good Journey.
- Car-free
We hold the Good Journey Mark for welcoming car-free visitors. Travel a greener way and enjoy a free hot drink. Plan your journey by train, bus or bike at Good Journey.
Planning your visit
Upcoming events at Ickworth
With a rolling programme of events for all ages, take a look at what we have coming up on site at Ickworth
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Summer of Play at Ickworth
Join us in the Walled Garden this summer for 'An Ickworth Playcation'. A fabulous summer full of family fun awaits you at Ickworth for Summer of Play
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Visiting the garden this summer
Take a stroll through the gardens of Ickworth to discover summer blooms. The formal Italianate Garden is particularly lovely at this time of year.
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Access at Ickworth Estate
Everyone is welcome at Ickworth Estate. Read on to discover how to make the most of your visit, download the access statement, and find out how to contact us with any questions you might have.
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Visiting Ickworth Estate with your dog
Ickworth Estate is a three pawprint rated place. Let your four-legged friends lead you on a voyage of exploration around miles of parkland, offering new and exciting discoveries.
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Group visits to Ickworth
Want to visit Ickworth as a group? Find all the information you need, from how to book tickets to the benefits you may be entitled to.
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Highlights
House
The Rotunda, museum accredited, forms the centrepiece of the Ickworth estate. It showcases an internationally renowned art and silver collection.
Garden
The Italianate garden encircles the Rotunda; a mix of classical Italy and a touch of drama with a gothic-style stumpery.
Parkland
Miles of parkland with rolling landscape, ancient woodlands, working farmland and an all-weather multi-use trail.
Eating
The West Wing and Porters Lodge cafés offer hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes. Indoor and outdoor eating available.
Shopping
The West Wing shop offers gifts, cards and homeware. The plant shop has gardening accessories and plants. The second-hand bookshop is stocked with pre-loved favourites.
Cycle hire
A cycle hire hub is located in the main car park and offers pre-bookable tours in the winter. The multi-use trail is ideal for exploring the estate by bike.
Holiday cottages
You'll notice a handful of characterful cottages dotted across the estate. These offer holiday accommodation for four to 12 people.
The Ickworth (not National Trust)
A stately house luxury family hotel, open to residents and non-residents for dining, afternoon tea, spa treatments and accommodation.
Spotlight events
Article
Summer of Play at Ickworth Estate
A jam-packed summer of fun is coming your way! Take a look at what is in store for families this season as a range of events and activities is set to keep youngsters entertained
Ickworth on the World Stage Garden Exhibition
Take a self guided tour of the the Italianate Garden where a series of installation boards will explore the history and influence behind this beautiful formal garden. Explore the garden design and learn about the impact the Hervey family's global travels had on Ickworth.
Conserving the Earl's Summerhouse: A conservation tour
Join our Facilities Manager as he introduces you to an iconic building in Ickworth's history, and the work that has gone in to repairing and conserving it.
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Ickworth on the World Stage
For 2025 - Follow one family's unconventional adventures as Ickworth sets sail with the Herveys.
Check out our events at Ickworth Estate
See what events may be taking place during your visit or what's coming up at Ickworth Estate. From daily house tours to guided ranger walks, there's lots to add value to your visit.
Things to see and do
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Explore the house at Ickworth
Discover the house and the treasures collected by the flamboyant 4th Earl of Bristol at Ickworth, a magnificent Italianate palace in the heart of Suffolk.
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Visiting Ickworth with the family
There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover Ickworth Estate this summer. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.
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Visiting the garden at Ickworth
Ickworth's garden was the first of its kind in the UK. Designed for privacy, space and freedom, it's a distillation of the gardens of classical Italy given an individual English touch.
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Explore the parkland at Ickworth
Explore the parkland at Ickworth, encircled with layers of history, landscape and classic architecture. Enjoy space, freedom and inspiring views as you wander at your leisure.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Walking at Ickworth Estate
With over 1,800 acres of parkland to explore, find a trail that suits you.
Activity
Cycling at Ickworth Estate
Find out more about cycling at Ickworth, including the cycle hire hub available in the car park. Pack a picnic and start your adventure.
Nordic walking at Ickworth
Explore the picturesque parkland at Ickworth on one of the regular Nordic walks around the estate (normal admission applies). To take part, join Positive Steps Fitness and Wellbeing, members of British Nordic Walking and the International Nordic Walking Federation, for a taster session or technique course, then sign up for a walk. For more information and to get involved, email info@positivestepspt.co.uk.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Ickworth
Treat yourself in one of the cafés at Ickworth with a variety of tasty treats, light snacks and hot and cold drinks. Or grab a bargain as a souvenir of your visit in the shop or Plant Centre.
Top trails
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Albana Walk
A short circular walk through some of the woodlands around Ickworth. If you have the energy when you walk along the Trim Trail try your hand on various fitness objects, ranging from pole climbing to ladder walks and leap frog.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Walled Garden and Canal Walk
A circular walk taking you to the Walled Garden, and Canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a great view of the Walled Garden from the far side of the Canal lake, with St. Mary’s church, and the Rotunda behind.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Linnet Valley Trail
This route forms the first ½ of the Multi-use track (the 2nd is the Monument Walk). Taking you past Ickworth Lodge and along the River Linnet and up past the Walled Garden and St. Mary’s Church. Buzzard and Kingfishers frequent this area of the park; Roe Deer can be seen at Dawn and Dusk.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Monument Trail
This route forms the second ½ of the Multi-use track (The first half is the Linnet Valley trail). Taking you to the Monument at the southern end of the park, passing St Mary’s Church, The Walled garden and returning past the Fairy Lake. One of the highlights is the spectacular view across the Linnet Valley to the Rotunda.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | History Walk
With its history traced back to Domesday, Ickworth Estate has quite a story to tell. Originally managed as a working estate, its status today as a pleasure ground dates back only as far as the early 18th Century. Walk with us around this beautiful parkland and let your imagination fly with our stories of its development over the centuries under the care, love and sometimes eccentric attentions of the Hervey’s and St. Edmundsbury Abbey.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Lady Hervey Walk
A four mile circular route taking you to the outer reaches of the estate, woodland and visiting Ickworth's two lakes.
Places to stay
The Round House
Cosy up in this folky rotunda deep in the woodlands of the Ickworth Estate.
Ickworth Gardens House
An idyllic stay on the Ickworth estate with a lakeside garden and homely interior.
Ickworth Keeper's Cottage
Escape city life in this Victorian cottage set on the Ickworth estate and surrounded by farmland.
Horringer Park Gates
Stay in this characterful Georgian cottage, once the home of the Ickworth estate gatekeeper.
Carpenters Cottage
A Victorian farm cottage set on the Ickworth estate and finished with an elegant décor.
Upcoming events
Event
Ickworth on the World Stage Garden Exhibition
Discover the world in our new garden exhibition exploring the influence of the Hervey’s global travels on the Italianate garden at Ickworth.
Event
An Introduction to Ickworth Tour
Join the team caring for Ickworth's treasures to discover more about the Hervey family and their collection.
Event
Ickworth on the World Stage
Follow one family's unconventional adventures as Ickworth sets sail with the Herveys in 2025.
Event
A Life Below Stairs Tour
Hear the stories of the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth as you discover the hustle and bustle that went on below stairs.
Event
Active Ickworth: Social Cycle Rides
A chance to meet up with like minded individuals and enjoy a short cycle in the beautiful Ickworth Estate. Improve your health, fitness & wellbeing at a comfortable pace.
Event
A Conservation Tour
Take a step behind closed doors in the Rotunda to see Ickworth through the eyes of our Collections Team.
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Adapting Ickworth: A Sustainable Journey
A tour with our Facilities Manager to explore and understand how Ickworth is facing into Climate Change and the measures taken historically and today to ensure Ickworth adapts to its future.
Event
Summer of Play- An Ickworth Playcation
Endless possibilities to play await you at Ickworth Estate this summer. We're inviting you to transform the Walled Garden and reclaim it as a hub for families and friends to connect with nature and each other.
About Ickworth Estate
With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and brand new all-weather path to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature.
Discover formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands all which invite gentle strolls, long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics.
Head into the Rotunda and see Ickworth's array of treasures. Then stop off at one of our cafés to get a bite to eat and treat yourself in one of our shops.
History
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History of Ickworth
Discover Ickworth’s fascinating history, from the people who’ve lived here over the centuries, to the estate’s role in the Great War.
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The people who lived at Ickworth
Learn about the different generations of the Hervey family, and how they each contributed towards creating the Ickworth estate.
Art and collections
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The silver treasures of Ickworth
Ickworth is home to one of the most important collections of 18th-century silver in Europe. Learn more about the collection at Ickworth in Suffolk.
Our work
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Our work on the estate at Ickworth
The ash trees of Ickworth are under threat from a disease that’s arrived from Europe. Find out how we are managing this and other issues across the estate.
Project
Project
Earl Summerhouse Restoration Project
The 1st Earl’s Summer House is one of the oldest buildings at Ickworth Estate. This year we are carrying out vital conservation work on the Summer House so that you can experience the Walled Garden from this idyllic setting once again. Find out more about this project and how you can support it.
Project
Project
Raising the roof at Ickworth
Discover how Ickworth completed a major conservation project to repair the Rotunda roof and safeguard the future of this classic Italianate building for years to come.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Ickworth
There are many different ways that volunteering with the National Trust at Ickworth can benefit you. Find out more and meet a member of the team.
Donate to Ickworth Estate in Suffolk
Your gift will help to conserve and protect Ickworth Estate for future generations to enjoy.
OR
£
£25 could help buy our house and collections care team 10 new hogs hair brushes for careful cleaning of our historic treasures.